Manual wheelchair system for improved propulsion and transfers

ABSTRACT

A manual wheelchair including a collapsible frame having a first lateral member that is connected to first and second braces at their respective first ends. A drive wheel axel extends along a first axis of rotation and engages a drive wheel, the first brace, and a portion of a transmission. A push rim axel extends along a second axis of rotation and engages a push rim wheel, the second brace, and a portion of the transmission, which transmits rotation of the push rim to rotation of the drive wheel. The collapsible frame additionally includes a second lateral member that is connected to the first and second braces as their respective second ends. The first and second braces are configured to release the second lateral member to collapse the manual wheelchair.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/269,868 filed on 19 Sep. 2016, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/776,642 filed on 14 Sep. 2015, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,445,958, which is the U.S. National Stage ofPCT/US2014/022080 filed on 7 Mar. 2014, which claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/827,840 filed on 14 Mar. 2013, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,905,421, each of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to provide a wheelchair system thatallows for independent positioning of the push rims and drive wheels,allowing for improved stability and improved shoulder biomechanics. Theapproach also allows for the addition of multispeed fixed-gear hubs forimproved propulsion on sloped surfaces and allows for removal orrepositioning of the push rims out of the way for easier transfers inand out of the wheelchair.

Related Art

The most common form of a manual wheelchair 100 utilizes a push rim 110connected directly to the drive wheels 120 as shown in FIG. 1. Thewheelchair user is able to propel the wheelchair 100 by pushing the pushrims 110 with their hands, thereby rotating the wheel an equal angle andtranslating the chair forward. The common wheelchair is elegant in itssimplicity. However, the inherent mechanical coupling of the push rim110 and the wheel 120 require that they be placed in the same fore-aftposition, which may lead to reduced stability of the wheelchair and/orshoulder problems. In setup of the common wheelchair, the clinician mustbalance concerns of shoulder biomechanics and stability of thewheelchair. On one hand, the clinician would like to move the push rimsforward to promote a better positioning of the shoulders for propulsion.On the other hand, the axel of the wheels 120 must remain behind thecenter of gravity 130 to reduce the likelihood the wheelchair 100 willtip over backward. A common approach is to move the push rim/wheelcombination 110/120 as far forward as possible while still maintaining astable base 150 of support of the wheelchair by positioning the drivewheel 120 and front casters 140 to frame the center of gravity 130 infore/aft directions.

The positioning of the push-rim/wheel 110/120 combination in commonwheelchairs leads to difficulties in transfers (transferring in and outof the wheelchair 100). For example, the user must position thewheelchair at an angle with a bed 200 or other transfer surface in orderto use a transfer board 210 (see FIG. 2). Without a transfer board, theperson must elevate their body a significant distance to clear the wheelof the wheelchair (FIGS. 3A, 3B).

Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that overcomes thesesignificant problems found in the conventional systems as describedabove.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a new manual wheelchair system that decouples thepush rims from the drive wheels of the wheelchair and reconnects thepush rims to the drive wheels using a belt drive or chain drive, thusallowing for optimal stability and better shoulder positioning forpropulsion. The push rims are also removable or rotatable for easiertransfers. The wheelchair can also include multispeed fixed-gear hubsfor easier propulsion on different terrain. The wheelchairadvantageously reduces shoulder problems that are common in persons whouse manual wheelchairs while maintaining optimal stability.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and operation of the present invention will be understoodfrom a review of the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example related art wheelchair;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example related art wheelchairtransfer with a transfer board;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example related artwheelchair transfer without a transfer board;

FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being rotated backward and out of the way for transfersaccording to a first implementation of the present application;

FIGS. 5A-5D are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being removed and placed out of the way for transfersaccording to a second implementation of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example transfer of a patientfrom a bed to a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being translated backward and out of the way fortransfers according to a third implementation of the presentapplication;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a user's range of motion laid over adiagram of an example related art wheelchair;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a user's range of motion laid over adiagram of a wheelchair according to an implementation of the presentapplication; and

FIGS. 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating placement of a push rim atdifferent positions along a wheelchair according to an implementation ofthe present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain implementations disclosed herein provide for a manual wheelchairthat allows for optimization of stability and shoulder biomechanics forindividual wheelchair users. For example, one apparatus disclosed hereinprovides a wheelchair having a drive wheel rotatable about a first axisof rotation, a push rim rotatable about a second axis of rotation, whichis offset from the first axis of rotation, and a transmission couplingthe push rim to the drive wheel.

Additionally, some implementations disclosed herein provide for a manualwheelchair that allows for the positioning of the push rim to allowtransfer into and out of the wheelchair. For example, one apparatusdisclosed herein provides a wheelchair having a push rim repositioningmechanism that allows the push rim to be rotated between a propulsionposition and a transfer position.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled inthe art how to implement the invention in various alternativeembodiments and alternative applications. However, although variousembodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it isunderstood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only,and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of variousalternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope orbreadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being rotated backward and out of the way for transfersaccording to a first implementation of the present application. Morespecifically, FIG. 4A illustrates the wheelchair with the push rimrotated forward into a propulsion position. Further, FIG. 4B illustratesan enlarged view of the push rim relocation mechanism in the propulsionposition. Further, FIG. 4C illustrates the wheelchair with the push rimrotated backward into a transfer position. Further, FIG. 4D illustratesan enlarged view of the push rim relocation mechanism in the transferposition.

In this implementation, the wheelchair 400 includes a frame 405, arotatable push rim 410 connected to the frame 405 and a drive wheel 420connected to the frame 405. The wheelchair 400 may also include casterwheels 440 located in front of the drive wheel 420. The caster wheels440 and the drive wheels 420 collectively form the base of support 435of the wheelchair. In order to provide a stable ride for the user, itmay be preferable that caster wheels 440 and the drive wheels bepositioned such that the user's center of gravity 430 is locateddirectly above the base of support 435, rather than in front of orbehind the base of support 435.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the axis of rotation 425 of the drive wheel 420is offset from the axis of rotation 415 of the push rim. Thus, insteadof being directly coupled to each other, the push rim 410 and drivewheel 420 are connected by a transmission 460. The transmission 460 mayinclude a drive gear/hub 450 coupled to drive wheel 420, a push rimgear/hub 470 coupled to the push rim 410, and a chain or belt 490connected to the drive gear/hub 450 and the push rim gear/hub 470.

Thus, de-coupling the fore-aft position of the push rims 410 and drivewheels 420 may allow a clinician to place the drive wheels 420 in theiroptimal position to provide a stable base of support 435 while stillallowing the person to do “wheelies” if needed (to go over curbs andother thresholds). Also, the position of the push rims 410 can be set topromote the best positioning of the wheelchair 400 user's shoulders. Apotential aspect of this more forward positioning of the push rims 410is a reduction in shoulder pain resulting from manual propulsion of thewheelchair. In other words, de-coupling of the push rims 410 and drivewheels 420 may allow the clinician to place the push rims 420 in frontof the user's center of gravity 430 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, potentiallyimproving mechanical efficiency without sacrificing wheelchairstability.

Additionally, the use of the transmission 460 with the belts or chains490 may allow the wheelchair to also incorporate into one or both of thedrive gear/hub 450 and the push rim gear/hub 470 a multispeed fixed-gearhub such as the Sturmey-Archer S3X fixed-gear hub. In suchimplementations, the ability to switch to higher or lower speeds mayallow the wheelchair user to go faster on smooth even terrain and torequire less torque and forces on the shoulders to go up inclinedterrain.

Additionally, in some implementations, the wheelchair 400 also includesa push rim repositioning member 480 that allows the push rim 410 to berepositioned to allow a user to transfer into and out of wheelchair 400without having to lift himself over the push rim as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B above. In FIGS. 4A-4D, the repositioning member 480 is a swingarm rotatably mounted to the frame 405 and configured to rotate aboutthe axis of rotation 425 of the drive train. As shown, the push rimgear/hub 470 and push rim 410 are located at a first end of the swingarm 480 and the drive wheel gear/hub 450 is located at a second end ofthe swing arm 480 and the belt/chain 490 extends along the length of theswing arm. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the swing arm 480 can be rotatedforward to position the push rim 410 forward of a user's shoulders toallow the propulsion of the wheel chair by the user (known as thepropulsion position). As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the swing arm 480 canbe rotated backward to position the push rim 410 behind a user'sshoulders to allow the user to transfer into and out of the wheelchair.

Additionally, in some embodiment, a locking mechanism 483 may beprovided to releasably hold the push rim repositioning member 480 (swingarm) in the propulsion position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Further, asecond locking mechanism 487 or hard stop may also be provided toreleasably hold or limit the rearward rotation of the push rimrepositioning member 480 (swing arm) in the transfer position shown inFIGS. 4C and 4D.

Though various aspects of this embodiment are shown in the figures anddiscussed above, implementations of this application are not limited tothese aspects and alternative implementations are discussed below.

FIGS. 5A-5D are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being removed and placed out of the way for transfersaccording to a second implementation of the present application. Morespecifically, FIG. 5A illustrates the wheelchair with the push rimattached to the wheelchair in a propulsion position. Further, FIG. 5Billustrates an enlarged view of the push rim relocation mechanism withthe push rim attached in the propulsion position. Further, FIG. 5Cillustrates the wheelchair with the push rim disconnected from thewheelchair and repositioned for a transfer. Further, FIG. 5D illustratesan enlarged view of the push rim removed for a transfer.

As with the implementation discussed above, in this implementation thewheelchair 500 includes a frame 505, a rotatable push rim 510 connectedto the frame 505 and a drive wheel 520 connected to the frame 505. Thewheelchair 500 may also include caster wheels 540 located in front ofthe drive wheel 520. Again, the caster wheels 540 and the drive wheels520 collectively form the base of support 535 of the wheelchair. Inorder to provide a stable ride for the user, it may be preferable thatcaster wheels 540 and the drive wheels be positioned such that theuser's center of gravity 530 is located directly above the base ofsupport 535, rather than in front of or behind the base of support 535.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the axis of rotation 525 of the drive wheel 520is offset from the axis of rotation 515 of the push rim 510. Thus,instead of being directly coupled to each other, the push rim 510 anddrive wheel 520 are connected by a transmission 560. The transmission560 may include a drive gear/hub 550 coupled to drive wheel 520, a pushrim gear/hub 570 coupled to the push rim 510, and a chain or belt 590connected to the drive gear/hub 550 and the push rim gear/hub 570.

Again, de-coupling the fore-aft position of the push rims 510 and drivewheels 520 may allow a clinician to place the drive wheels 520 in theiroptimal position to provide a stable base of support 535 while stillallowing the person to do “wheelies” if needed (to go over curbs andother thresholds). Also, the position of the push rims 510 can be set topromote the best positioning of the wheelchair 500 user's shoulders. Apotential aspect of this more forward positioning of the push rims 510is a reduction in shoulder pain resulting from manual propulsion of thewheelchair. In other words, de-coupling of the push rims 510 and drivewheels 520 may allow the clinician to place the push rims 520 in frontof the user's center of gravity 530 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, potentiallyimproving mechanical efficiency without sacrificing wheelchairstability.

Again, the use of the transmission 560 with the belts or chains 590 mayallow the wheelchair to also incorporate into either one or both of thedrive gear/hub 550 and the push rim gear/hub 570 a multi-speedfixed-gear hub such as the Sturmey-Archer S3X fixed-gear hub, forexample. In such implementations, the ability to switch to higher orlower speeds may allow the wheelchair user to go faster on smooth eventerrain and to require less torque and forces on the shoulders to go upinclined terrain.

Additionally, in some implementations, the wheelchair 500 also includesa push rim repositioning member 580 that allows the push rim 510 to berepositioned to allow a user to transfer into and out of wheelchair 500without having to lift himself over the push rim as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B above. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, therepositioning member 580 is release mechanism that allows the push rim510 to be disconnected from the frame 505. For example, a quick releasemechanism could be used to allow the push rim 510 to be removablyattached to the frame 505. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the releasemechanism (push rim repositioning member 580) holds the push rim 510forward of a user's shoulders to allow propulsion of the wheelchair bythe user (known as the propulsion position). As shown in FIGS. 5C and5D, the release mechanism (push rim repositioning member 580) allows thepush rim 510 to be disconnected from the frame 505, and oncedisconnected, the push rim 510 can be placed behind a user's shouldersto allow the user to transfer into and out of the wheelchair.

Though various aspects of this embodiment are shown in the figures anddiscussed above, implementations of this application are not limited tothese aspects and alternative implementations are discussed below.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example transfer of a patientfrom a bed to a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the invention.

By incorporating a push rim reposition member, such as shown in theimplementations of FIGS. 4A-4D and FIGS. 5A-5D, the wheelchair 500 cannow be placed directly next to the bed 600 or other transfer surface,reducing the distance to transfer and also reducing the height toelevate the body since the user no longer needs to clear the wheel 520or the push rim 510 or the combination.

FIGS. 7A-7B are diagrams illustrating an example wheelchair with a pushrim capable of being rotated backward and out of the way for transfersaccording to a third implementation of the present application. Morespecifically, FIG. 7A illustrates the wheelchair with the push rim tothe wheelchair located in a propulsion position. Further, FIG. 7Billustrates the wheelchair with the push rim repositioned into atransfer position.

This implementation shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may include features andelements similar to those discussed above with respect to the first andsecond implementations. Thus redundant descriptions thereof may beomitted. As with the implementations discussed above, in thisimplementation the wheelchair 700 includes a frame 705, a rotatable pushrim 710 connected to the frame 705 and a drive wheel 720 connected tothe frame 705. The wheelchair 700 may also include caster wheels 740located in front of the drive wheel 720.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the axis of rotation 725 of the drive wheel 720is offset from the axis of rotation 715 of the push rim. Thus, insteadof being directly coupled to each other, the push rim 710 and drivewheel 720 are connected by a transmission (not specifically labeled inFIGS. 7A and 7B; individual components labeled). The transmission mayinclude a drive gear/hub 750 coupled to drive wheel 720, a push rimgear/hub 770 coupled to the push rim 710, and a chain or belt 790connected to the drive gear/hub 750 and the push rim gear/hub 770.

Again, de-coupling the fore-aft position of the push rims 710 and drivewheels 720 may allow a clinician to place the drive wheels 720 in theiroptimal position to provide a stable base of support while stillallowing the person to do “wheelies” if needed (to go over curbs andother thresholds). Also, the position of the push rims 710 can be set topromote the best positioning of the wheelchair 700 user's shoulders. Apotential aspect of this more forward positioning of the push rims 710is a reduction in shoulder pain resulting from manual propulsion of thewheelchair. In other words, de-coupling of the push rims 710 and drivewheels 720 may allow the clinician to place the push rims 720 in frontof the user's center of gravity as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, potentiallyimproving mechanical efficiency without sacrificing wheelchairstability.

Again, the use of the transmission with the belts or chains 790 mayallow the wheelchair to also incorporate a multi-speed fixed-gear hub toprovide the ability to switch to higher or lower speeds and therebyallow the wheelchair user to go faster on smooth even terrain and torequire less torque and forces on the shoulders to go up inclinedterrain.

Additionally, in some implementations, the wheelchair 700 also includesa push rim repositioning member 780 that allows the push rim 710 to berepositioned to allow a user to transfer into and out of wheelchair 700without having to lift himself over the push rim as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B above. In FIGS. 7A-7B, the repositioning member 580 is a guiderail extending along the frame 705 that the push rim 710 can be slidalong. Thus, the push rim 710 may be slidingly mounted to the guide rail(push rim repositioning mechanism 780) and repositioned at differentportions along the length of the guide rail (push rim repositioningmechanism 780). As shown in FIGS. 7A, the push rim 710 has been slidforward along the guide rail (push rim repositioning mechanism 780) tobe located forward of a user's shoulders to allow the propulsion of thewheel chair by the user (known as the propulsion position). As shown inFIGS. 7B, the push rim 710 has been slid backward along the guide rail(push rim repositioning mechanism 780) to be located behind or even witha user's shoulders to allow the user to transfer into and out of thewheelchair.

Additionally, in some implementations, a locking mechanism (not shown)may be provided to releasably hold the push rim 710 (swing arm) in thepropulsion position located in front of the user's shoulders as shown inFIG. 7A. Further, a second locking mechanism (not shown) or hard stopmay also be provided to releasably hold or limit the rearward movementof the push rim 710 in the transfer position shown in FIG. 7B.Additionally, in some embodiments, the transmission of the wheel chairmay also include an idler sprocket (not shown), which can be used tomaintain a fixed tension in the belt or chain 790.

Though various aspects of this embodiment are shown in the figures anddiscussed above, implementations of this application are not limited tothese aspects and alternative implementations are discussed below.

FIG. 8 illustrates the reachable workspace of a user's wrist fordifferent shoulder ranges of motion laid over a diagram of an examplerelated art wheelchair 800 and FIG. 9 illustrates the reachableworkspace of a user's wrist for different shoulder ranges of motion laidover a diagram of a wheelchair 900 according to an implementation of thepresent application. As discussed above, a problem with conventionalwheelchairs relates to the positioning of the drive wheel/push rimassembly relative to the user's shoulders. Rearward placement of thedrive wheel/push rim assembly can improve stability, but such placementcan require a user to continually reach backward with shoulder extensionand sometimes shoulder abduction. Use of the shoulders in excessiveextension and in abduction are thought to be damaging for repeated use.Also, some users may have experienced reduced range of motion that canlimit the propulsive force that can be generated by the user. FIGS. 8and 9 illustrate a hypothetical user's range of motion laid overdiagrams of a related art wheelchair 800 and a wheelchair 900 accordingto an implementation of the present application. Specifically, in FIGS.8 and 9, regions 810, 910 represent a user with a full range of motion,regions 820, 920 represent a user with a slightly reduced range ofmotion, and regions 830, 930 represent a reduced range of motion. Asshown in FIG. 8, in order to achieve and maximize the arc of propulsionby starting the application of torque at the upper surface of the pushrim of the conventional wheel chair, the user needs to take hisshoulders into large angles of extension (i.e. into region 810).However, by moving the push rims forward in an implementation accordingto the present application, the user may be able to apply a maximum arcof propulsion with less shoulder extension (i.e. outside region 910, andinto regions 920, 930).

In the implementations discussed above, the push rim was shown beingmovable between a propulsion position and a transfer position. However,implementations of the present invention need not have only twopositions. Instead, a wheelchair according to the present applicationmay include a push rim repositioning mechanism configured to allowcustomizable placement of the push rim based on a user's specificphysical dimensions and/or physical capabilities and/or the activitiesthat the patient is involved in. FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate placement of apush rim at various positions along a wheelchair according to animplementation of the present application based on a user's range ofmotion. FIG. 10A illustrates the push rim 1010 of the wheelchair 1000 inposition even with the user's shoulders 1015. FIG. 10B illustrates thepush rim 1010 of the wheelchair 1000 rotated forward by 15 degrees withrespect to the user's shoulders 1015. FIG. 10C illustrates the push rim1010 of the wheelchair 1000 rotated forward by 15 degrees with respectto the user's shoulders 1015.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that skilled persons canimplement the described functionality in varying ways for particularapplications, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention.Also, in the various embodiments described above, the improvements tothe push rim and drive wheels can be implements for a single side of thewheelchair or on both sides of the wheelchair.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can beapplied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description anddrawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention and are therefore representative of the subject matterwhich is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is furtherunderstood that the scope of the present invention fully encompassesother embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the artand that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.

What is claimed is:
 1. A manual wheelchair comprising: a frame; a drivewheel connected to the frame, having a first axis of rotation andconfigured to rotate relative to the frame; a push rim connected to theframe, having a second axis of rotation extending substantially parallelto the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel and configured torotate relative to the frame, wherein the second axis of rotation of thepush rim is offset from the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel ina direction orthogonal to the first axis of rotation of the drive wheel;and a transmission configured to transmit rotation of the push rim torotation of the drive wheel.
 2. The wheelchair of claim 1, furthercomprising a repositioning member including a swing arm having a firstend and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the push rimand the second end is coupled to the drive wheel, wherein therepositioning member is configured to allow the push rim to berepositioned via a rotation of the repositioning member about the firstaxis of rotation such that the first end is rotated over a top of thedrive wheel from a position in front of the second end to a positionbehind the second end to allow a user to transfer into and out of thewheelchair without having to lift over the push rim.